Wilson Rawls broke my heart. But I loved it.

Weekly writing assignment from Mama Kat: What book captured your heart? Write about why the first book you loved is the first book you loved.

The cover is well-worn and the pages are loose, but maybe the binding will hold together for one more reading.

At a very young age, I fell in love with Wilson Rawls’s timeless tale of Billy and his two coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann. No book will ever be more cherished in my heart than Where the Red Fern Grows — the yellowed pages and tattered cover of my copy speaks volumes to the number of times I read and reread the heartrending story of loyalty and friendship. Of growing up and learning the deal with loss.

I’m sure most everyone has read this book at some point in their lives. It was required reading in school. But, if for some inexcusable reason, your grade school teacher skipped over this beloved book, go here for a brief rundown of one of the most bittersweet stories ever told.

Even though I know how it ends, I cry every time I read it. The pain of losing a pet — a friend — is heartbreaking. This book might be responsible for my deep-rooted love for dogs today. I was always touched by the bond between Billy and his coonhounds. Their love, loyalty and companionship were unmatched.

Comments

Oh my goodness! I *almost* wrote on this book (I chose the same prompt you did). Oh, I LOVE Where the Red Fern Grows.

When I was student teaching, I had to teach this to seventh graders. I am not kidding, I had to practice reading the last chapter at home four or five times so I could read it with seventh graders without crying.

I just left a comment on another blog about how much this book made me cry. I actually had to be excused from class. I always read ahead of the teacher and I broke out into sobs while everyone else was back at a funny part. I got a strike for reading ahead, but my teacher did have enough pity to let me cry in the hallway.

Oh, that is a good book. Though, I must admit, when my oldest wanted to check it out of the library, I tried to get him to put it back. It’s so sad, and I wanted him to be a little older when he read it. He ignored me, read it, and now it’s one of his favorite books also.